POLICEWOMAN Carole McNally put the long arms of the law to good use when she rowed her way into the record books.

For the 42-year-old indoor rowing champion smashed the British women's record, and set a world record for her age group at the same time.

Carole, who lives on the border of Bury and Whitefield, completed a 100K row on Saturday to raise money for Manchester children's hospitals.

After learning that her colleague's son had developed a brain tumour, Carole felt compelled to help and has succeeded in raising around £1,500 for charity from this event alone.

As well as raising vital funds for the hospitals, Carole was also determined to beat the world record for her age group (40 to 49) in indoor rowing, which stood at 8hrs 42mins.

This she did comfortably, completing 100K in just 7hrs 55mins and at the same time she beat the British record for all women which stood at 7hrs 58mins.

Carole succeeded in her challenge on a rowing machine at the Eagle and Child pub in Higher Lane, Whitefield, with husband Stephen supporting her on the sidelines.

A delighted but sore Carole said after her ordeal: "Its absolutely fantastic. Not bad for a fat, old broad eh? I'm so proud of myself, but I do have a sore bottom!

"Towards the end I had around 60 people cheering me on. It felt wonderful."

She said: "The location was just perfect, no matter what the weather was like. I did the row outside, under the verranda, over-looking the bowling green."

Carole, who has two step-daughters, first took up indoor rowing in 2003 and has been hooked ever since.

With the initial aim of keeping fit, Carole has shown a real aptitude for the sport, gaining silver and gold medals in national and international competitions.

Her sights are now set on the British Championships in November, the European Championships in December and she is hoping to travel to Boston in February to compete in the World Championships, after missing out on this year's contest due to a broken leg.

In the meantime, the police officer, who works in Burnley, will attempt a speed competition over 2K in London on September 24.